Tourist information - Benidorm
Located at the middle of the La Marina Baixa region, Benidorm is among the main tourist destinations in Costa Blanca, thanks to its excellent beaches, as well as the wide selection of accommodations, restaurants, and also recreational activities offered. Its historical quarter, which sits on a promontory, is in great contrast with the wide avenues lined with structures, shops, as well as terraces, all around the coastline.
Benidorm offers endless possibilities. From walking to the promenaded, to swimming, playing aquatic adventures, or perhaps just getting on a boat excursion to the island of Benidorm. All of that without forgetting the local holiday celebrations, and also the succulent gastronomy that specialises in rice dishes and seafood.
Benidorm is among the biggest tourist centres of Costa Blanca. The fine-sand beaches, the crystal waters, as well as privileged climate have granted this region -also equipped with a great infrastructure of high-quality services- its well-deserved fame.
Doubtlessly, the beaches are one of Benidorm's biggest appeals. A five-kilometre coastline marked by vast sands, along with secluded coves where one can enjoy a refreshing swim, together with engage in aquatic events, including scuba diving, water skiing, windsurfing, sailing, etc.
Located to the north of the harbour,Levante beach is one of the most breathtaking around the city. Because of its urban location, it has easy accessibility to a number of services, and also to two kilometres of golden, fine sands. These emblematic sands are delimited by a busy promenade, filled with terraces along with restaurants, very lively at night.
To the south of the region, the Poniente beach unfolds; three kilometres of magnificent scenery. As the Levante beach, this one incorporates a long promenade as the backdrop, as well as is accessible and also convenient, with a number of services available.
Between two of the most famous beaches of Benidorm, the Mal Pas cove, a tranquil cove of fine sands is found, also close to the historical quarter along with the harbour.
In addition, Ti Ximo and La Almadrava emerge on the northern end of Benidorm, where the coast becomes rough and also inaccessible. Removed from the urban centre, these hidden natural coves enable the visitor to retire from the bustle of the city to enjoy scuba-diving within the magnificent, rocky seabed.
Benidorm's historic centre is found on a promontory, among its two main beaches: Levante as well as Poniente. This is the birthplace of the city, a primitive fishing town, dominated by the church of San Jaime. Erected around the 18th century, its bluish domes rise among an intricate network of narrow streets as well as alleyways, brimming with picturesque little corners. The peaks of the Canfali hills lead to the Balcony of the Mediterranean, a splendid viewpoint that presents a gorgeous panoramic view of the sea.
To both sides of the historical quarter lay wide avenues and commercial streets that make up the more modern Benidorm. The city, devoted to the tourist industry, provides a myriad of services including hotels, restaurants and also terraces.
Benidorm's recreational possibilities are endless. From taking a work on the promenade to visiting the nearby park of L’Aigüera, or an exciting day in the Mediterranean Theme Park Terra Mítica. Also, the city incorporates a number of sporting centres, together with a sailing school, and several scuba-diving schools.
Boat excursions to the little island of Benidorm -located in middle of the inlet-depart from the harbour. Legend has it that the island is a piece of rock from nearby Mount Campana that brave Roland severed with his sword in the expeditions of Charlemagne. The diverse seabed makes it a scuba-diving paradise.
Seafood along with rice dishes include the base of the local gastronomy. Paella is the emblematic dishes, as is seafood, grilled or boiled, as well as fish, fried, stewed, or in soup. Garlic as well as olive oil includes the main ingredients of ali-oli sauce, which accompanies several dishes.
Dessert includes almond cake, turrones, along with ice cream. The wines, with Designation of Origin - Alicante (the prestigious seal of quality and also origin given in Spain to select wines as well as products); misteleta (a sweet wine); as well as horchata (a drink made from tiger nuts, with protected Designation of Origin) are all typical of the region.
Benidorm is a merry and festive town. The local holidays honour the Virgin of Sufragio along with Saint James the Apostle; the celebration begins to the second Sunday of November, and offers a varied programme, including floats, theatre performances, along with fireworks. A few days later, the Festa de la Carxofa "a very traditional affair" takes place at the historic quarter. Other celebrations worth mentioning are the Bonfires of San Juan, and also the Muslims as well as Christians festivities, both in June.
The outskirts of Benidorm are of great natural beauty. To the north, the terrain becomes rough, with sierras as well as cliffs all the way to the sea. In this setting lay the towns of L’Alfàs del Pi, and Altea. Additionally, near the Peñón de Ifach Nature Reserve is the town of Calpe, a harmonious place that has managed to combine the conservation of its monumental heritage with the touristic infrastructures.
To the south of Benidorm we find the town of Villajoyosa, the capital of Marina Baja. And crossing the Sierra Aitana, the northern interior holds in store a remarkable journey through Cocentaina important medieval town along with Alcoy, a place renowned for its Muslims along with Christian’s festivals, declared to be of International Tourist Interest.
Finally, the Alicante mountains bring the possibility of exploring the Carracal de la Font Roja Nature Reserve.
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